Vietnam implored the people of Thailand to avoid further violence in its current political conflict, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Sunday.

Nguyen Phuong Nga said the parties involved should solve their conflicts peacefully through dialogue with the aim of stabilizing the Southeast Asian country.

Vietnam, as a neighbor of Thailand and ASEAN president this year, is deeply concerned about the situation and is keeping a close watch on all developments in Thailand, Nga said.

Thailand's anti-government red-shirted protesters under the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have been demonstrating in the streets since March 14. The conflict has erupted in violence.

As of Sunday, clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Thailand have killed 20 people. Another 834 have been injured.